"When I was 15 there was the opportunity to move to Arsenal, but I decided to go to Leverkusen to get a professional contract there," he said.

"There was contact after the Under-20 World Cup in the Netherlands. I played against Lionel Messi and some other big names and there was contact with Arsenal."

He was also quick to play down speculation that he had been close to a move to the Emirates last summer.

"There was no contact," he said speaking as part of Strongbow's EARN IT. campaign in Berlin. "It's a big honour for me if a club like Arsenal are interested in me, but I've never talked with Arsene Wenger."

"It's different between my time in 2005 and now. There are so many German players who play for arsenal. The supporters love Mesut Ozil."

The 28-year-old had established himself as Germany's number one ahead of the 2010 World Cup but a rib injury meant he missed the tournament and is now second choice behind Manuel Neuer for the national side.

Adler also didn't rule out the possibility of playing in the Premier League in the future.

"Maybe I'd like to play in England. You can't say in football.

"Football in England is some kind of religion. The fans, the culture behind the big clubs is very interesting."

Strongbow have been challenging the nation to EARN IT. with a series of challenges. For more information go to strongbow.com.